ESL Blogs

What is the better way to uncover the other seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface might look like? “Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus,” also knowned as SCUBA, makes it possible to explore God’s mysterious and majestic creation. It is an astonishing and fascinating underwater sport where you are able to witness many plants, corals and beautiful aquatic creatures. Visit shipwrecks or just to experience the zero gravity underwater.

Regardless, when asked whether I would like to take Discovery Scuba Diving, my answer was a BIG NO. Lack of swimming skill was good enough reason to avoid from joining the scuba diving. I had never been so wrong until Ralf the scuba diving instructor at Madeira Divepoint betrayed my guarded thought by plainly pointing out that swimming was a secondary skill to initiate diving. It was hard to fathom and digests the idea but I was up to the challenge so I agreed to do it.

Forty minutes time occupied for watching video tape on scuba diving followed by face-to-face explanation by the instructor was a breathing room for me but not nearly adequate to suppress my anxiousness. A gas tank with several tubes hanging resembled octopus’ tentacles attached to a jacket called BCD or ‘buoyancy control device’ was enough to intimadate me. I also had to endure the stubborn wet suit proved to be easier said than to put it on.

During swimming pool session, my heart was beating at an express train speed. It was not an easy task but fortunately for me, Wilfred, the second intructor was there throughout the training. Swimming pool session ended after twenty minutes and without further delay we headed to the pier for open water session.

By the time we reached at the pier, my heart was pounding fast behind my chest and as loud as the lion dance drumming. I took time climbing down to the last ladder in backward position while Wilfred was holding my hands. Prescription mask checked, regulator in the mouth, fins were fit tightly, BCD was full inflated - all geared up. The BCD on my back as heavy as a building I thought could fall in the water immediately so I clutched at Wilfred’s hands so hard as if my life depended on him.

“Don’t worry, you can let go of my hands now.” It was easy for Wilfred. What if I sink, what if I drown, what if I turn upside down. I was extremely frighten my body went rigid even my mind ceased to give me instruction to jump. I shaked my head to signal that I was not ready but too late, Wilfred let go of my hands followed by my muffled scream so loud I bet people at next building could hear me. I plunged hard into the water at the same time struggling to remind myself not to panic and suddenly to my relieve I found myself floating. Duhh…

My mind was full loaded with fears all underwater instructions presented slightly more than one hour ago had gone to rest. I had to ponder the correct instructions and signals but the only thing resonated in my mind was never stop breathing. I could not have been more contented when Ralf jumped into the water, took my hand, deflated my BDC and kept reminding me to equalize. It happened so fast all of a sudden I was gliding smoothly underwater. It was terrifying at first but the warm welcome by some curious little fish swimming right in front of my mask put me at ease.

I started to get excited though my fears were not entirely quelled. It was not utterly effortless to become acclimated to being underwater so Ralf had to drag me all the time so I could witness the wonderful marine life. My concentration was centred at breathing and buoyancy that I was still oblivious of some colourful fish and sea urchins. The water was freezing cold at eighteen degree celcius, hence, we ascended after thirty-five minutes dive at eight meters depth.  

After the dive, I felt a tad lightheaded due to improper breathing underwater. There was no escaping from some risks but with proper instructions and trainings, scuba diving could make a fantastic underwater sport afterall.